A small home is a great option for anyone looking to downsize and have a place to call their own. They typically feature two or three bedrooms, a kitchen and living room, and even a bathroom.
But before you jump in, consider these tips for making the most of your build. This will ensure your home is as efficient and comfortable as possible.
1. Choose the Right Builder
When you’re building a new home, you want to get the most value for your money. It’s no secret that the best way to do this is to choose a builder with the right skills and experience for your project. But it can be challenging to determine if a builder has what it takes. For starters, it’s a good idea to look for a house building company in your area.
You need to take some time to do your research. Start by asking family and friends for referrals. Then check online for builders that have received a good reputation for quality. You might also ask local real estate agents, lending companies and building material suppliers for their recommendations.
Then, make a list of not more than three builders that you think might be the best fit for your project. You should have a strong sense of who would be the best match for you in terms of personality, style and budget.
Once you have a list of possible small home builders, make sure to interview them. These interviews will help you determine if they have the skills and expertise to build your home.
In addition, you should ask them a few questions about their building process and the details of their warranty policy. You’ll also need to know how they will work with you throughout the construction process and if they have a team of qualified tradespeople they can call on.
Whether you’re planning to sell your home after completion or simply live in it for a while, you’ll want to ensure that your new home is built to last. This means choosing a builder who is willing to invest in post-service care and offer you a lengthy warranty that covers all of their workmanship.
A good small home builder will have a strong reputation for customer service, even if they’re new to the business. Ideally, they’ll have been in the industry for several years and have an impressive portfolio of homes to show off.
Your small home builder should also be able to provide you with a paper or digital trail of key decisions and changes that have been made along the way. This can save you a lot of trouble and heartache at the end of the project.
2. Plan Out Your Space
The best way to make the most of your small home build is to plan ahead. This means setting a budget for your project and making sure you have all the right tools at hand before breaking ground. Having a plan in place will ensure you don’t waste precious time and money on items that may not be on your list of priorities.
The most difficult part of the planning process is narrowing down your wish list to a manageable size. It might be worth asking your builder to help with this. To come up with a game plan, try to get a feel for the size of your chosen site and the number of square feet you will need. Then work backwards from there to create a building layout that best fits your needs.
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to selecting the best tiny home for you and your family, so take your time with the design process to avoid a regrettable decision down the road. It’s also smart to pick the builder based on their reputation, not just the one that has the best price.
3. Think About Your Storage Needs
Smaller home builds don’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. In fact, they can provide a more efficient way to live and may prove cheaper in the long run.
The best way to go about it is to do a little research before you start. For instance, if you’re looking to build in an urban setting, it’s a good idea to check out your city’s small home building guide. It should have a list of building codes and permit requirements for small homes, along with helpful tips on how to make your new residence more livable.
Keeping your tiny abode tidy can be challenging, so make sure you factor in storage when planning your floor plan. This can include anything from a closet to an entire room dedicated to organized storage. There are also some cool ways to get creative with your storage solutions, from recessed shelving in walls to hanging baskets. You might even consider a clever solution like this one: a combination of two different containers to create a new type of organizational system that’s both practical and functional.
4. Think About Lighting
Living in a small home can feel more intimate, especially if you have children, and they typically cost less than bigger houses. You may even save money on utilities, since a smaller home is more energy efficient. But you should also consider the cost of adding amenities like a patio or deck, unique decor and storage.
The best way to save money on your tiny home build is to be careful not to overspend on unnecessary items. For example, a large chandelier might look great in a spacious home, but in a smaller space it will make the room seem crowded. Instead, opt for lighting options that are compact and easy to move around, such as tabletop lamps or under-cabinet lights.
Another option is to invest in dimmers, which can help you control the amount of light in your space. They are also easy to install and offer a variety of features, including schedules and nightlights.
Once you have your budget set, you can start to think about the type of fixtures you want to use and how you plan to use them. In general, lighting should be used in layers to create different moods and to provide the right amounts of brightness for various tasks.
But remember, too much light can wash out design elements and distort colors. For example, too many ceiling lights can be overpowering, so go easy on the number of fixtures and use dimmers for maximum control.
The size of a fixture should be taken into account as well, says Beth Mor, vice president of sales and marketing at Tiffany Lighting. That’s because you don’t want your fixture to be too big or too small.
For example, a chandelier that’s too tall or too short will make the room seem cramped and will make it difficult to use. On the other hand, a small lamp won’t be enough to illuminate a full bedroom or bathroom.
Lighting is an important aspect of your small home build, but it can also be a daunting process. Fortunately, with a little planning and expert advice, you can make the most of your project without having to worry about spending too much money.